What do pre-law students major in at Lehigh?
In keeping with the policy of the Association of American Law Schools, Lehigh does not have a prescribed pre-law curriculum. Successful candidates for law school demonstrate skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and communication (both written and oral) and have pursued rigorous coursework of significant breadth and depth. These skills may be honed in all majors at Lehigh. Students have gained entrance to law schools from diverse curricula ranging from the humanities and social sciences (e.g., English, political science, philosophy) to business (e.g., finance, marketing, accounting) to engineering (e.g., mechanical, industrial, civil).
What courses are necessary for law school?
There are no specific prerequisite courses for law school. Law schools expect undergraduates to pursue challenging courses in disciplines that interest them. Courses that emphasize critical analysis, logical reasoning, and communication provide important preparation for legal study. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty through research and honors projects. For interested students, some specifically law-related courses are offered in the College of Arts and Sciences (e.g., Constitutional Law, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Law and Order) and the College of Business and Economics (e.g., Introduction to law and Legal Environment of Business).
What types of opportunities does Lehigh offer pre-law students outside the classroom?
In addition to formal academic instruction, Lehigh provides other opportunities for learning about the law and legal careers. For example, the annual Rocco J. Tresolini Lecture in Law series bring nationally recognized speakers to campus for extended interactions with faculty and students. Tresolini lecturers have included U.S. and state Supreme Court justices, renowned legal scholars, and public intellectuals. This series is hosted by the political science department. Workshops and lectures by law school admissions officers and practitioners are scheduled each semester. A number of clubs and organizations help pre-law students get involved both on campus and in the community. A few of these include College Democrats and College Republicans, Debate Team, Lehigh Prison Project, and Lehigh United Nations Partnership. The annual Lehigh Valley Law Day is held on campus every other year. At this event, over 30 law school admissions representatives meet with students and provide information about the legal profession and law school applications.
What other resources are available for Lehigh pre-law students?
Starting with fall orientation in their first year through law school application in senior year, students are encouraged to make contact with the Pre-Law Counselor in the Center for Career & Professional Development. Both individual counseling and group information sessions are provided to help students in their career exploration, provide advice about relevant coursework and extracurricular opportunities, and assist in the application process. CCPD offers numerous resources on law-related careers, graduate programs, internships and externships, and research and volunteer opportunities. Personality and interest assessments help students explore potential majors and careers. Students are also encouraged to network with members of Lehigh's extensive alumni database, through which they can connect with Lehigh graduates practicing in the law, to arrange informational interviews and shadowing experiences. Additionally, LSAT prep support is offered on campus each semester.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can contact, Autumn Moser, Associate Director, Pre-Professional and Pre-Graduate Study, The Center for Career & Professional Development at aum221@lehigh.edu